A replica of Gustave Whitehead's plane sits at the Connecticut Air and Space Center in Stratford, Conn. on Tuesday March 12, 2013. For the 100th anniversary edition of Jane's All the World Aircraft, Whitehead's flyer will be given credit as the first operationl heavier-than-air aircraft. less

A replica of Gustave Whitehead's plane sits at the Connecticut Air and Space Center in Stratford, Conn. on Tuesday March 12, 2013. For the 100th anniversary edition of Jane's All the World Aircraft, Whitehead's ... more

Collins is one of many local devotees of Gustave Whitehead, the man who may have been the first in flight, purportedly beating the vaunted Wright Brothers.

As a supporter of the German immigrant's role in history, Collins is livid about the fact that Whitehead's home at 184 Alvin St. in Fairfield is set for demolition.

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If you're goingCampaign to save Gustave Whitehead's house from demolition:Where: Whitehead's house, 184 Alvin St. in FairfieldWhen: 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday

The possible demise of what many consider a crucial piece of Connecticut history has stoked the passions of Whitehead supporters such as Collins and Easton resident Dolly Curtis.

The two are organizing a protest from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday at the Whitehead house, hoping they can raise enough ruckus to keep the building from disappearing.

"We just cannot lose this," Collins said. "It's just so important."

Last week, developer Gary Tenk, of Stratford, was issued a demolition permit for the structure, which could be torn down as soon as Sunday.

Tenk could not be reached for comment on Monday.

Whitehead, who reportedly built the home with his own hands, has become a historical lightning rod for history and aviation buffs in his rivalry with the Wright Brothers for the title of first to fly a heavier-than-air machine.

Though there are some throughout the country who still staunchly believe the Wright Brothers were the first to fly, Whitehead supporters insist he made his first successful flight in Fairfield in 1901 -- a full two years before the Wrights got airborne.

There has been a growing chorus of support for Whitehead as flight's pioneer. Last year, the 100th anniversary of the aviation bible Jane's All the World's Aircraft credited Whitehead as the first man to build an operational, heavier-than-air aircraft.

Whitehead's place in history makes the impending destruction of his home a tragedy in the eyes of his fans.

When Curtis heard what was to happen to the property, she said, "I couldn't sleep, I was so upset. I thought `I can't let this go.' "

There has been discussion about saving pieces of the home and displaying them at the Connecticut Air & Space Center in Stratford. But Collins said that's just not enough.

"Our objective is to save Gustave Whitehead's house, not pieces of it," he said. "Not a railing. Not some stones. All of it."

The protest is something of a last-ditch attempt to save the house.

Curtis said the effort was organized quickly late last week, and she isn't sure how many people will show up. She's expecting about two dozen people, but hopes more will come.

Collins was also hoping for a decent complement of Whitehead supporters to hold his protest signs. "We're doing everything we can," he said.